What Is the Easiest Way to Root Your HTC Evo?

Applications

One of the easiest methods of rooting the HTC EVO is by using a one-click root application. These applications are added to your smartphone like any other piece of software. You either download the application through an app market or download the APK file on your phone. The application is installed normally. When you run it, you tap the root button to unlock your phone.

Software

Several software-based root methods, such as One Click Root, use your computer to root the phone. The EVO is physically connected to the computer while the software runs. The files that the software uses to root the phone are flashed. Manual root installation also uses this method, using the Android SDK and Android Debug Bridge shell to execute root commands. You do not need to leave the software on your computer after the root installation completes.

Unrevoked

While other root methods support a variety of phones, the Unrevoked software was designed for rooting HTC phones. Unrevoked comes in two different versions, Unrevoked3 and Unrevoked Forever. Unrevoked3 adds a recovery image to your phone, along with a permanent root. Unrevoked Forever disables the phone's firmware version-checking to facilitate the installation of custom ROMs and kernels. The Unrevoked software runs on your computer and roots the EVO through the application. Linux and Mac computers do not need drivers installed for your phone, but the Windows Unrevoked process requires USB HBoot drivers added to the system prior to the phone being properly detected.

Considerations

Once you root the HTC EVO, you have free rein to change system settings. You do not have any blocks on the phone, so be careful if you aren't sure what a particular setting does. You don't want to accidentally change essential settings and render your phone inoperable. Your rooted phone is not covered under warranty service unless stated otherwise in the warranty terms. Each root method gives you a way to remove the root and change the operating system back to stock settings. Stock ROMs are also available through various mobile related websites, so even if you can't revert the root you can install the stock ROM over the existing rooted operating system.